[u][b]Valanor Accord Itillia Hesper’s Rest The Keep of Azurefall[/b][/u] The chamber was comfortable if nothing else; natural light came through the windows and sturdy chairs, aligned along a table in the corridor. One could almost forget this is where the most powerful men and women in the Valanor Accord gathered to discuss the future of the nation. [img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d4/80/bc/d480bc02d9282d147f8b62640495d3b8.jpg[/img] General Giaus looked around the empty room, these thoughts flowing through his head. It was not often all six of them were gathered at the same time, away from the fronts, but the war effort against the Accord’s various foes had been going well enough. [hider=General Giaus] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/810682393727729714/810733195581456384/General_Gius.jpg?width=359&height=513[/img] [/hider] The only other person in the room was General Hexilda the queen of Gathland and head of the 6th Legion. Giaus meanwhile, was from a family of nobility so low there were a great many peasants richer than him. What would a queen have to talk about with a guy like him? [hider=General Hexilda] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/810682393727729714/810733348502110218/General_Hexilda.jpg?width=346&height=513[/img] [/hider] Nothing was the answer. The two of them sat there and awkwardly tried to make small talk. But, the Queen of Gathland, clearly wasn’t interested in breaking pointless words. Or maybe she just wasn’t really good at it. Hexilda was a woman who kept herself busy. She had both a kingdom as well as a legion to run, and she also had to review and vote on policies presented by the rest of the Legionary Council. Impressive for such a young lady. Giaus on the other hand really wasn’t anything outside the Legion. He didn’t even own a home technically. He had joined the legion when he was young; having failed to find a lord to serve as a hedge knight. He ended up doing well in the Legion, his uncle was a centurion; and taught him a strong foundation for tactics. Giaus had also led levies and city guardsmen in a few minor battles against bandits and raiders so he already had some recognition when he signed on. Before long he was rising in the ranks; although it felt more like it was because the right combination of people died or retired rather than him impressing his superiors. In the end the position of 5th Legion General just fell on his lap. Hexilda meanwhile shot up the ranks just six years after joining. Partly because of her political position, as the rest of the Legionary Council felt it would ease tensions with the vassals to have one of them on the council. However, it was also because she had quickly stood out amongst her peers for ability to lead soldiers into impossible situations. “Settle down I can hear you two laughing from three floors down.” chimed General Hyperion, overly amused by her own attempt at humor. [hider=General Hyperion] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/810682393727729714/810733394719277067/General_Hyperion.png?width=412&height=513[/img] [/hider] Giaus appreciated it, giving the woman a smile. Hexilda raised an eyebrow “We weren't talking; I believe you’re mistaken.” Giaus and Hyperion shared a glance at the Gathland queen; who returned an expression of genuine confusion. A look of realization washed over Hexilda. “Oh, you were joking….haha. Yes, very humorous.” “We will have to work on that dear.” Said the General of the 2nd Legion. General Hyperion was considerably old for a woman of her chosen profession. There was a time when she lived a regimented and organized lifestyle, which helped in building a healthy body that could carry her into her later years. Hyperion could not seem to get comfortable in her chair, readjusting her position a few times as she spoke. “So we still seem to be missing half our number.” “Actually we are less than half.” Said Hexilda. “Prince Nero will be here representing Emperor Ancel at this gathering.” “Prince Nero?” Hyperion mused. “Glazer won’t be happy about that, the two of them have never hid their dislike for each other.” “The dislike is one sided.” Giaus chimed. “General Glazer has never paid Prince Nero any devoted thought, at least not openly, and never for long.” “I suppose you’re right.” Said Hyperion. “Still Prince Nero has always been a temperamental boy; you two may not see it, but I can tell he’s the type who bottles things up, letting his emotions explode at junctures beyond his control. Isn’t someone like that a danger to the council? He is a prince after all, bastard half-brother he may be.” “He thinks he knows what is best for the Emperor.” Spoke General Zeal, entering the corridor, flanked by two of her fellow elven warriors. “He is a spoiled child. His excellency, Emperor Ancel needs the guidance and protection of the Legionary Council to secure his life and rule. Nero threatens our glorious Emperor with his poisoned words.” [hider=General Zeal] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/810901872188850208/819462066824806400/General_Zeal.jpg?width=492&height=512[/img] [/hider] The general of the 3rd Legion, General Zeal. Was a member of elven nobility from one of the Light-elf city states within Accord territory. True to her name, she fought for the Empire with a devotion few could match. Her lineage could be tracked all the way back to the first Navarros colonies in Valanor, having distant blood relations with nearly every elven ruler in the region. General Zeal looked to her elven soldiers. “Leave us.” The two other elves nodded and left the room, as Zeal took a seat near the head of the table. “I don’t much care for the queen mother, but she is at least in agreement with the council. Nero is actively hostile, and he likely intends to bring the Emperor down that path with him.” Giaus rubbed his chin. “You believe he intends to turn the Emperor against the Legionary Council?” “Impossible” Interrupted Hexilda. “The Emperor derives his power from this council, not the other way around. The Accord has always operated in this manner, since before it even had a royal line to fight for.” Hyperion tapped her fingers against the table. “Indeed; even if Ancel were to try and turn against us what can a child do? His father was a grown man with a strong support base and even he caved in to the council’s demands, he even took the wife we picked for him. Remember Zeal?” General Zeal looked at Hyperion with an eyebrow raised. “I would not put it so crasley General Hyperion. What we did for the late Emperor Palen, may he sit with The One in the heavens, was for his own good, as well as the good of the Accord and the Orduin Empire. Although admittedly we should of put more thought into the fates of the Emperor’s children.” “I’m sorry?” Questioned Hexilda. “Care to elaborate?” “Neither of us were on the council at the time.” Said Giaus. “Same with Apocrypha and Glazer, although Glazer’s father was there if I’m not mistaken.” “He was.” Said Zeal. “Me, Hyperion, Glazer’s late father, and the rest of the Legionary council at the time were preparing to defend against a host from the Duchy of East Orduin, as well as fight off the Free Emirates of the Northern Wastes, and secure our borders against northern barbarians and the Bestia Horde, as well as coastal pirate lords.” “On top of that we had internal conflicts to deal with.” Said General Hyperion. “It was a chaotic time indeed, and our hands were rather full. Meanwhile the Petty Kingdom of Hortshire was growing distant from the rest of the Accord, dragging their feet or ignoring our decrees.” General Zeal folded her hands. “Thus, the council decided it would be best if Emperor Palen married a Hortshire princess, that of course ended up being Lady Selene the Queen Mother.” “Unfortunately.” General Hyperion injected. “Emperor Palen already had a sweetheart in his life. Lady Grey, who as you may know was little more than a political prisoner from a minor noble family in the Duchy of East Orduin, with barely any real value as a hostage much less a wife to the Emperor.” Hexilda nodded in understanding. “So Lady Grey was set aside, for Lady Selene and the children she bore with Emperor Palen we removed from the line of succession.” Giaus turned towards Hexilda. “Actually they were never married. So Lady Grey wasn’t exactly set aside. Nero and Cipher were always going to be bastards. There was nothing to remove them from.” Hyperion shook her head. “Emperor Palen certainly wanted to marry Lady Grey, he tried many times but the Legionary Council wouldn’t allow it, it would be a waste of such an important political bargaining chip; or so that is what the others argued. Had the Emperor married Lady Grey as he desired, Nero and Cipher would have been the legitimate prince and princess of the empire, at least here in the Accord.” “Which brings me to my point.” Said Zeal, arms folded. “Prince Nero is likely spiteful that he lost the throne and seeks to usurp the title from his younger half-brother, and do away with the Legionary Council. He is a danger not only to the Accord but the Emperor himself. Only we of the Legionary Council can guide the symbol that is the Emperor down the righteous path; Prince Nero is a corrupting influence on-” “If he was a threat to us he would have been killed a long time ago.” Spoke a thunderous voice from the end of the corridor, every word sounding like a muffled screech, that managed to be both deep and raspy. General Apocrypha, walked slowly towards the table, his fists clenched and folded behind his back, as he slouched forward, staring down the rest of them. [hider=General Apocrypha] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/810682393727729714/810733125393973248/General_Apochrapya.jpg?width=299&height=513[/img] [/hider] Giaus had always felt something was off about Apocrypha, he could never bring himself to stare at the man directly for any more than a moment. The Valanor Reaper, the leader of the 4th legion. Otherwise known as Apocrypha “Mage’s Bane” he was a man few sought to make an enemy of. Many were ought-right terrified of him, and those who weren’t saw him as unapproachable to an almost cursed degree. “You are wrong to subscribe such malice onto the young prince General Zeal. Your evidence is nothing but conjecture.” Spoke the Valanor Reaper. “Although I do understand your beliefs, and how you would come to that conclusion.” Rather than sitting down, Apocrypha began walking in circles around the table, one arm behind his back, the other flailing around dramatically. “True, Prince Nero likely desires to get one over on us, however he would never hurt the young Emperor, at least not intentionally.” “He may hurt Emperor Ancel in ways beyond his limited understanding” Said Zeal. “Let's say I agree with you, that Nero does not seek to kill and replace his younger brother. He still will corrupt Ancel, turning him into a bullheaded barbarian with nothing but hatred in his heart for the council.” “I see.” Muttered Apocrypha. “The thing with you Zeal, is that you view what is best for the council and what is best for the Emperor as one of the same thing.” “Is it not?” Dared Zeal. “Has the council not always been the first and foremost beacon that unites the Valanor Accord? Without us there is nothing. There is no accord, no agreement. Without that; there is no Orduin Empire.” “Well Prince Nero doesn't see it that way.” Apocrypha said. “To Nero, opposing the Legionary Council, is returning power to his brother. He sees it as loyalty, and perhaps he intends to rule from the shadows, or perhaps he hasn’t thought it all through, but he is loyal to the cause of the empire’s revival, and seeing Emperor Ancel on the throne of that there is little doubt.” “And thus we shall grant him our attention.” Spoke a deep and overbearing voice. Apocrypha turned around to the corridor entrance, a large man standing with his arms to his sides. General Glazer walked into the room, keeping a slow pace as he made his way to the table’s head. [hider=General Glazer] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/810682393727729714/810733270568271892/General_Glazer.jpg?width=320&height=512[/img] [/hider] The head of the 1rst Legion, General Glazer was known to many, even fellow generals like Giaus, to be the true leader of the Valanor Accord. His family had served in the Legionary Council since it was founded and had long acted as a second royal family of sorts. Apocrypha tilted his head, locking eyes with Glazer. After a single moment of hesitation he turned around with a huff and took a seat at the table, General Glazer watching him intently. With that Glazer took a seat at the table’s head, balling his hands together in a graceful manner. “The Prince seeks to use us to secure the foundation for what he sees as his brother’s rightful empire. He knows he can’t lead the legions of the Accord alone. So if he can help it he would rather neuter our power yet keep us on as his pawns. An interesting plan if true, but it will not go that way.” The rest of the Legionary Council exchanged glances. “How will it go General Glazer?” Apocrypha questioned unamused. “It is we who shall use him; Nero, Cipher, and all who support them shall be put to use. This is my decision and I would have you all give your response.” “What is our plan exactly?” Said Giaus. “I would not cause any unneeded hostilities with our Prince, and I certainly would not approve of any outright action taken against him unless he does something worthy of such a response. However, if he does have such desires, if he truly does pose a political threat of some kind would it not be better to just deal with this matter now?” “My thoughts as well.” Said Hexilda. “We should not allow someone actively working against us to wander freely.” “Indeed.” Said Zeal. We should have him and his sister put under house arrest until we-” Glazer rose a hand, silencing the others. “If we are too overte in our response, it will end in blood and chaos. Prince Nero or more likely Princess Cipher will lead men against us, and other snakes and rats shall take advantage of the situation that creates; let alone outside threats.” “The Emperor would also be heartbroken” Injected Zeal. “That would destroy any and all trust between the royal household and the Legionary Council, saying nothing about the morality of taking a child’s brother and sister from him at such a young age.” “I suppose.” Said Hyperion with a shrug. “I feel like that has never been a problem before.” Suddenly a thought popped into Giaus’s head. He hesitated but Glazer immediately noticed and gestured for him to speak. The man could be a damn bastard sometimes. “What does the Emperor think?” Gaius asked. “Where does his support lay?” “Who cares, he probably doesn't know what to think.” Said Hyperion. “I would not put it that way.” Said Zeal. “The emperor is a symbol of great importance, his purity and justice an ideal for the Accord. He cannot be bothered with this, and his love for those around him including that which is misplaced, leaves him vulnerable to the manipulations of those around him.” “Do you not think that is a tad hypocritical?” Giaus questioned. “Nonsense.” Zeal spat back. “I KNOW the Legionary Council has the best interest of the Accord, The Emperor, and the Orduin Empire at heart! The rest cannot be said for all others. Where do the rest of you stand?!” “I agree.” Said Hexilda, in perfect posture. “I wouldn’t know.” Said Hyperion, feet on the table. “I don’t care.” Gruffed Apocrypha, his face resting in his hands. “Indeed.” Bellowed Glazer. “The best thing for the Emperor is to obey the will of this council. It is his intended and strategic purpose. We all serve a purpose. The boy doesn't need to both be the Emperor AND have a say in the governance of the realm. The true purpose of kings and queens is to serve as diplomatic figureheads and if not that, at the very least symbols for the people to gather around. This idea of a perfect ruler is a flawed one, that should not even be attempted. However, what is the alternative? The Orduin Empire got close but even they failed as the senate became a cesspool worthy of the fate it received. The empire that fell was a hive of decadence, arrogance, extreme cynicism, and worst of all a shrine of total oikophobia by those in power. It was only because the very legions that the senators and nobility turned their backs on came together when they all failed that the Empire even has a chance at survival much less revival.” Glazer was now almost standing as he spoke. “One man or woman alone, be they fool or genius, is barely capable of running a village, much less an empire. Nor can a senate of elected charlatans and tyrants who don’t even love their own nation fair much better. It is we, a council of those who have fought and gave blood to this accord, those who fight for and love the empire and what it is, what it could be, that are truly gifted with the ability to lead it to its intended conclusion, and it is the grace of the Emperor fulfilling his own purpose that emboldens us in this cause.” The rest of the council nodded in approval, including Gaius. However, he was unsure how many of them actually agreed or even understood Glazer’s words. Glazer suddenly stood up straight. “He comes.” The rest of council turned to see Prince Nero standing at the corridor entrance. Princess Cipher stood at one of his flanks, at the other stood a robed Vaala. [hider=Prince Nero] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/810682393727729714/810733532115763261/Prince_Nero.png?width=375&height=513[/img] [/hider][hider=Princess Cipher] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/810682393727729714/810733667394781244/Princess_Cipher.jpg?width=329&height=512[/img] [/hider][hider=Keif] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/810901872188850208/819462260048789595/Keith.png?width=280&height=512[/img] [/hider] Nero and his posse walked towards the table. “I do hope you haven’t seen fit to start without me.” “We wouldn’t imagine it.” Said Glazer. “You are after all the liaison of the Emperor, although if you truly wanted to have a word in the council there were more proper ways to do so than stepping on the toes of the Queen Mother.” Glazer suddenly leaned forward. “If you were to join the Legion, I promise you would rise up the ranks quickly….under my command of course.” Cipher growled and the Vaala snarled. Nero did his best to maintain his composure, stepping forward and touching his seat. “Do not waste my time Glazer. We all know where we stand. Let us discuss the fate of the realm and the direction of our Legions.” “Our Legions?” Questioned Apocrypha. “Of course.” Corrected Glazer. “Take a seat young prince.” Said a dispassionate Hyperion. As Nero sat down, General Hexilda gestured toward Princess Cipher. “Princess Cipher, may I ask what it is you are doing here? The same with the Valaa gentleman. It is only Prince Nero that has license to be here. I’m afraid you two must take your leave before we can begin.” Cipher turned to Hexilda. “Oh my dear soon-to-be sister by marriage. Why must you be so dismissive of me? I figured this could be our chance to finally work together. We will be seeing much of each other once I marry your younger brother. We will be sisters.” Hexilda turned angry. “What does that have to do with-” Before she could say more Nero raised a hand. “Cipher, Keif, leave us but stay near.” The Valaa turned to leave followed by a grimacing Cipher who shot one more pair of daggers at the Queen of Gathland. “Well then.” Said Glazer. “I shall begin by sharing important news with you all regarding the Duchy of East Orduin.” “I have heard strange rumors.” Said Hyperion. “Odd troop movements and mass desertion by the mercenaries who fought for them?” Glazer shook his head. “Not desertion. The Duchy of East Orduin, as we knew it at least, is no more.” “What!?” Shouted Apocrypha. “What happened!?” Demanded Zeal. “How is this possible?” Nero wondered out loud. Giaus could tell from their reactions that no one in the room save Glazer was aware of the truth. Glazer continued. “The ArchDuke invited the Tribes of the Roaming-Hills into his city in order to hire out their services. Instead they took over the capital and now their High Cheif, a man named Rolof claims ownership of the former East Orduin lands.” “So their lands are in chaos? Should we not press the attack and finally claim the capital for ourselves? “ Asked Nero. “Not only did the barbarians not ally with that fool of a Archduke, but they turned on him?! This is a day of celebration.” “It is indeed a fortunate turn of events.” Said Glazer. “And we shall capitalize on it immediately. I propose we dispatch 3 legions to the East Orduin front.” “I suppose you will want to be there for the moment of glory?” Accused Nero. “Indeed I would.” Said Glazer. “However, my forces have already exhausted themselves fighting the Ducy’s forces up until this point. They must return here to recuperate, and to control the hordes of refugees that will no doubt flood in from East Orduin.” “So who shall have the honor?” Asked Hyperion. Hexilda frowned. “Honor? There is no honor in cleaning up the trash.” “What are you talking about?” Questioned Apocrypha. “There is little more respectable than the simple act of cleaning, someone needs to pick up the trash eventually. And I intend to clean indeed. Hehehehehe.” “Apocrypha is right!” Shouted Zeal. “Cleaning can be an honour, doubly so when in service to the emperor!” Glazer gestured Apocrypha. “Indeed, you shall lead the efforts against the Roaming Hill Tribes.” Apocrypha nodded. “Of course.” Glazer looked at Hyperion and then Gaius himself. “Hyperion, Gaius; the 2nd and 5th legions shall accompany him once they are ready.” Gaius was surprised that he would be chosen for such a task, but he respected Glazer’s thoughts on the matter. Still he had concerns. “What of the northern front?” Asked Gaius. “The frontier region is still full of hostile tribes and clans that raid our northern borders, and that is without the Bestia Horde uniting them against us. What land we do control is still rather lawless, even with Justicar Zamoria and her Order of Saint Justinian lending their aid.” Gaius and the 5th Legion had been assigned to the frontier recently, fighting off countless small bands of raiders, barbarians, and even nomadic beastmen tribes from the far north. In addition the presence of the Dark Legion was a constant worry regardless of how many diplomats claimed otherwise. “General Hexilda and the 6th legion will go there.” Said Glazer, turning to Hexilda. “Remember Hexilda, taking the coast is our main concern, take and control that part of the region and the Emperor shall grant it to you and the Kingdom of Gathland.” Hexilda nodded, perhaps happy with a chance to increase the size and prominence of her kingdom. “The Emperor will grant her that territory you say?” Said Nero, arms folded. “Interesting this is the first I ‘ve heard of such a thing.” “It is by the Emperor’s will that we the Legionary Council hold the emergency powers that allow us to grant that territory to Queen Hexilda.” Said Glazer. “I have an assignment for you as well my young prince.” “Don’t call me young prince Glazer. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I’m no child!” Shouted Nero, slamming his fist against the table. “Touchy like a child.” Quipped Hyperion. Nero turned to Hyperion, his face unseen but the rage felt by all. For half a moment Hyperion lost her composure before instantly tensing up, ready to fight. “Tis has been a long time since any were hurt by my words.” Nero sighed, turning to Glazer. “I take it you’re using your emergency powers to assign me to this task?” “Not in the slightest.” Said Glazer. “You are a prince after all. That being said you did say you wanted more say in things. This is my compromise.” Nero leaned on the table. “It gets me out of the capital, and into danger. And without a rank of command me being there is useless to me.” “You haven’t even heard what it is I would have you do my prince.” Glazer turned to General Zeal. “General Zeal and the 3rd Legion shall be dispatched to the Petty Kingdom of Ivenhoe, both to deal with the Shadow Coalition, as well as reinforce our borders against any potential assaults from the Bestia Horde, along with the Yuukoman Empire and Thakis. I doubt the Exalted Prince or the Great Pharess have any aims of hostility as of yet but the same cannot be said for those under them. Border and trade disputes between us have become more strenuous as of late. I also have no doubt the Shadow Coalition seeks to create conflict between our three powers, but that is where you come in Prince Nero.” “You wish for me to deal with this Shadow Coalition?” Inquired Nero. “I wish for general Zeal to deal with them, and for you to assist her.” Corrected Glazer. “It is a conflict of interest for me to be assigned under Zeal.” Nero said blankly. “I shall go there and assist Zeal with my own personal forces. Starting with the formation of a 7th legion.” “A 7th legion!?” Shot Zeal. “You would dare to even try? You have no such authority, nor the means to do so.” “I agree with Zeal” Said Hexilda. “Where do you intend to gather the man-power and resources for such an endeavour?” “I need not be on par with the rest of you.” Said Nero. “However, I shall be operating as your equal from now on. I will do this with or without your approval.” Gaius shook his head. “You play a dangerous game young prince.” Did Nero seek death? This was yet another overt challenge to the authority of the Legionary Council. “Denied” Said Glazer coldly. “You may go to Ivenhoe and operate outside of the Legions if you wish, but I see no reason to just give you the rank of general when you haven’t even formed this army yet much less served in any meaningful military capacity.” Nero sat there for a moment contemplating. “Very well. I will go to Ivenhoe with my forces and assist Zeal. However, I will be building up my 7th Legion, and you will grant me the rank of general when that time comes.” “You aren’t really in a position to make demands of that magnitude.” Scoffed Glazer. “Not yet” Said Nero softly. “But I suppose I don’t truly need your approval one way or the other. If I make a legion loyal to me, they will obey with or without rank.” “Fair enough.” Glazer chuckled. “But now my prince, you get to enjoy the less glamorous parts of being on this council. Let us talk logistics.”